KUALA LUMPUR: The National Sports Council (NSC) have denied receiving complaints or reports regarding sexual misconduct allegedly committed by a para swimming coach prior to last week.
NSC issued a statement today in which they stressed that they have never compromised with nor protected any coach, athlete or officer involved in misconduct issues in their programmes.
The para swimming coach, reported to be a China national in her 40s, is alleged to have committed sexual misconduct, verbal and physical abuse as well as extorted her athletes, some of whom were underaged.
Some of the alleged incidents were believed to have happened at the Paralympic Centre of Excellence in Kampung Pandan.
"NSC is prepared to take stern action, including immediate contract termination, if found guilty," said the statement.
"NSC, through the Misconduct in Sports Committee, is currently investigating allegations of sexual misconduct by a para swimming coach towards athletes under the coaches' care, as was reported in the media.
"The safeguarding officer, authorised under the Safe Sport Code (SSC), has taken the necessary steps to conduct the investigation.
"The allegations of misconduct were received last week and the committee swiftly began its investigation, which includes interviewing the relevant parties.
"Full cooperation has also been given to the police who have opened an investigation paper, in addition to finding a friendly way to take action and also protect the privacy of the athletes involved.
"It must be stressed that NSC had never received any report nor complaint from any para athletes regarding sexual misconduct by the coach prior to this latest report (received last week).
"Allegations that NSC tried to cover up or ignored reports that were filed are completely unfounded."
A report carried by an online news portal yesterday quoted an unnamed source who claimed that three complaints were made to NSC last year though no action was taken.
NSC added that they continue to uphold and enforce all rules within SSC to create a safe environment for all athletes who under NSC's training programmes.
NSC urged the media and the public to not speculate on the case nor spread inaccurate information that could affect the investigation and the wellbeing of the athletes.